Thermography vs. Mammography: Breast Cancer Screening Comparison
Technology Comparison
| Feature | Thermography | Mammography |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Infrared heat mapping | Low-energy X-rays |
| Detects | Vascular/metabolic heat patterns | Structural masses, calcifications, architectural distortion |
| Sensitivity (cancer) | ~60–80% (varies) | ~85–90% (digital) |
| Specificity | Lower (false + from inflammation) | Higher |
| Radiation | None | ~0.4 mSv (2-view) |
| Cost | $150–$300 (often self-pay) | $100–$250 (usually insured) |
| Guideline Status | Adjunct only (FDA) | Gold standard (USPSTF, ACR, ACS) |
Clinical Position
- Mammography remains the only modality proven to reduce breast cancer mortality in RCTs.
- Thermography may detect inflammatory or fast-growing tumors missed by mammogram, but high false-positive rate leads to unnecessary biopsies.
- Best use: adjunct for dense breasts or high-risk patients who want additional surveillance, not replacement.
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